You're thinking about selling. Or maybe you're just settling in and want to make some updates. Either way, the question is always the same: what's actually worth spending money on?
Good news, we have data on this. The Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report breaks down return on investment by region, and the Mountain region numbers are genuinely surprising. The projects that pay off the most aren't the big dramatic renovations. They're the ones you'd almost overlook.
The projects worth doing
These are the five highest ROI home improvements in the Mountain region right now:
Garage Door Replacement · $4,968 invested · $11,730 resale value · 236% return Entry Door Replacement (Steel) · $2,446 invested · $4,557 resale value · 186% return Manufactured Stone Veneer · $11,991 invested · $19,398 resale value · 162% return Minor Kitchen Remodel (Mid-range) · $28,490 invested · $31,417 resale value · 110% return Vinyl Siding Replacement · $16,979 invested · $18,197 resale value · 107% return
Notice anything? The top two projects cost under $5,000. A new garage door and a new front door. That's it. Those two updates alone can return nearly double what you put in, and they're the first things a buyer sees when they pull up to your home. Curb appeal is not a soft concept — it's a financial one.
The projects to think twice about
These are the five lowest ROI improvements in the Mountain region:
Primary Suite Addition (Upscale) · $350,045 invested · $54,639 resale value · 16% return Primary Suite Addition (Mid-range) · $168,492 invested · $45,207 resale value · 27% return Solar Power Installation · $51,183 invested · $14,550 resale value · 28% return Major Kitchen Remodel (Upscale) · $159,439 invested · $55,644 resale value · 35% return Upscale Bath Remodel · $79,492 invested · $28,969 resale value · 36% return
The pattern here is clear: the bigger and more expensive the project, the less likely you are to see it back at closing. A $350,000 primary suite addition that returns $54,000 isn't an investment, it's a personal preference. And there's nothing wrong with doing it for yourself — just don't do it expecting to recoup the cost when you sell.
What this means if you're selling
If you're getting ready to list, resist the urge to over-improve. Buyers in Denver's current market want clean, move-in ready homes, and they'll reward you for it. Fresh paint, a new garage door, updated hardware, and great staging will outperform a gut kitchen renovation almost every time. And they cost a fraction of the price.
What this means if you're buying
If you're touring homes that need work, this data is actually empowering. A home with an outdated kitchen isn't a problem, it's an opportunity. A minor kitchen remodel in the Mountain region still returns 110% on investment. You can buy a home at the right price, make smart targeted updates, and come out ahead.
The bottom line
More money does not equal more return. The best thing you can do before any renovation, whether you're selling or settling in, is talk through what actually makes sense for your specific home and your specific goals. That's a conversation I have all the time and genuinely love having.
Data source: Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report, Mountain Region · DMAR Market Trends Report April 202
